10 FACTS GEN Z VOTERS MUST KNOW ABOUT NIGERIA’S NEW ELECTION CHIEF

The Council of State has officially confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The appointment was ratified at a meeting held at the State House and presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Here are 10 key facts Gen Z Nigerians should know about the man who will now oversee the nation’s electoral process:

1. He’s 58 years old — Born on April 25, 1967, Prof. Amupitan brings decades of academic and legal experience to his new role.

2. He hails from Kogi State — Specifically from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area.

3. A Professor of Law at UNIJOS — Amupitan is a respected legal scholar and alumnus of the University of Jos, Plateau State.

4. Specialises in key legal fields — His areas of expertise include Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.

5. His education journey is impressive — After attending Kwara State Polytechnic (1982–1984), he studied law at UNIJOS (1984–1987) and was called to the bar in 1988.

6. A lifelong learner — He obtained an LL.M. from UNIJOS in 1993 and a Ph.D. in 2007, beginning his academic career in 1989 after completing his NYSC in Bauchi State.

7. He’s a university administrator — Currently serves as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

8. Held key leadership positions at UNIJOS — Including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014), and Head of Public Law Department (2006–2008).

9. Active beyond academics — Sits on several boards, including Integrated Dairies Limited, and has served with the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Council of Legal Education.

10. A prolific author — His books include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008), Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008), Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law(2013), and An Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).